The United Kingdom

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The UK has a long-standing tradition of ensuring fair pay regardless of gender, with 2020 marking 50 years since equal pay legislation was first introduced. While the gender pay gap in the UK is at a record low, the Government is committed to closing it entirely.

In 2017 the Government introduced world-leading legislation requiring large employers to publish their gender pay gap every year. Under the mandatory regulations employers with more than 250 employees must report 14 data points, including their gender pay gap, bonus gap and the proportions of men and women in each level of their organisation. Over 10,000 organisations have to report this data on a public website providing unparalleled transparency and motivating employers to take action to close their gender pay gaps.

The UK is also investing in building the evidence base for what actually works to improve gender equality in the workplace. Over £4 million is being invested into research which will help ensure that employers and organisations can implement effective actions to support women’s progression in the workplace and reduce their gender pay gap.

This is on top of the wider work the Government is doing to support women in the workplace including:

• supporting men and women with caring responsibilities through increased childcare entitlements, promoting flexible working and Shared Parental Leave, and delivering initiatives to support those returning to work;
• working with business to support and increase women’s progression to senior positions;
• breaking down gender stereotypes, for example increasing the number of women taking qualifications in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The UK is delighted to be part of this collaborative multi-stakeholder network and appreciates the invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and expertise.

EPIC is a key platform for disseminating good practice on what works to close the gender pay gap and amplifying action internationally.